3 Angels prospects the Mets should be interested in for Jeff McNeil

The New York Mets are embarking on one of the most radical offseasons in recent memory, a pivot signaled by the blockbuster trade that sent fan-favorite outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers in exchange for veteran infielder Marcus Semien. This move was a clear statement from the front office: the team is prioritizing defensive stability and roster flexibility, effectively beginning a significant overhaul of the existing core. Nimmo’s departure, following his 8-year contract, confirmed that virtually any non-untouchable player could be moved for the right return, opening the door for further surprising deals.

This radical approach puts versatile infielder Jeff McNeil squarely on the trade block. A two-time All-Star and former batting champion, McNeil is a high-contact, multi-positional asset under a manageable contract, despite recent injury concerns related to thoracic outlet surgery. Given the arrival of Semien, and with promising infield prospects like Jett Williams on the horizon, the Mets have surplus value to deal. The Los Angeles Angels, who are reportedly looking for a left-handed bat and versatile infield help, emerge as a logical trade partner. Depending on the Angels’ urgency, the Mets could target a range of pitching prospects to boost their farm system.

Angels pitching to target for the Squirrel

The Angels have a mix of high-upside, high-risk arms that could appeal to the Mets' newly aggressive asset acquisition strategy. By offering McNeil—an established, high-floor player—the Mets could demand a return that ranges from a top-tier arm with immediate MLB ranking to a lower-level lottery ticket with elite raw stuff. The following three pitchers represent varying levels of cost and potential reward the Mets could target.

George Klassen

George Klassen represents the highest-value arm the Mets could demand, and a centerpiece prospect. Ranked as a top-five prospect in the Angels' system by some outlets, the right-hander possesses an electric, triple-digit fastball that consistently sits in the upper-90s. He has made significant strides in harnessing his elite stuff, transforming from a control-challenged college arm into a legitimate starting pitcher candidate who recently performed well in Double-A. Klassen offers near-MLB readiness and mid-rotation upside, but with the reliever risk that comes with all high-velocity, high-walk pitchers. Acquiring him would require the Mets to absorb McNeil's full contract and potentially add a high-upside lottery ticket to the deal, solidifying Klassen as a crucial piece of the trade.

Trey Gregory-Alford

As a recent high-school draftee who commanded significant over-slot money, Trey Gregory-Alford is a pure lottery ticket with arguably the biggest ceiling in the Angels' system. The 6-foot-5 right-hander is an absolute power pitcher, running his fastball up to 100 mph with an equally advanced, hard slider. He is, however, far more of a "thrower" than a "pitcher" at this stage, with inconsistent mechanics and control issues that make him a long-term developmental project. Gregory-Alford would be the principal return in a deal where the Mets prioritize potential over proximity, taking a calculated risk that their new player development infrastructure can turn his elite raw velocity into a frontline starter.

Sammy Natera Jr.

Sammy Natera Jr. offers a lower-cost, high-intrigue option for the Mets. The left-hander is a late bloomer who didn't start pitching until age 17 and has relatively low mileage on his arm, despite his advanced age (26). Natera broke out in the Arizona Fall League with a mid-90s fastball that touches 98 and a sweeping slider that generates high swing-and-miss rates. He still struggles with control but showed marked improvement in his feel for the strike zone late last season. Targeting Natera would be a value play: a big-framed lefty with two bat-missing pitches and a recent track record of improvement, giving the Mets a high-ceiling, low-floor arm who could be a fast-moving bullpen or back-end rotation option. He could serve as a complementary piece if the Angels include another lower-ranked prospect or if the Mets agree to pay down part of McNeil's salary.